Government targets takeaways in antisocial behaviour battle

Friday, 31 December 2004 12:00 AM

Licensing minister Richard Caborn has announced new plans to use licensing laws to tackle antisocial behaviour at late night takeaways.

In early 2005 phase one of the modernisation of licensing laws will begin, bringing all pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels under one system.

This will give the government the opportunity to ensure premises are shut down if they attract alcohol-fuelled violence and rowdy behaviour.

The new system will ensure local residents and businesses have a say in how late takeaways can stay open.

Mr Caborn said: "From next year we're going to give local residents a say in whether they have a late night chippie or kebab shop on their street corner by bringing them under control of the new Licensing Act."

Takeaways will also be subject to new powers that will enable police officers to shut them down for up to 24 hours if they are disrupting the local neighbourhood.

Chief regulatory services officer from Cardiff County Council, Malcolm Evans, said he welcomed the move labelling it an "opportunity to implement the new licensing regime in consultation with local residents to ensure that those selling hot food late at night will operate safely and that the possibility of disorderly drunken behaviour causing nuisance is greatly reduced".

Director of community protection at Wigan Council Bob Saunders also welcomed the new plans, suggesting: "Late night takeaways can be a flashpoint for violence and public disorder".

Licensing authorities will be able to begin processing applications for the new licenses on February 7th 2005.

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